Raiders Blockbuster Trade Pitch Lands Heisman Contending Quarterback in Upcoming Draft

The Las Vegas Raiders are in dire need of a quarterback and if they continue to perform like they have been through the first six weeks of the NFL season, they'll have a chance to draft one of the top prospects.

In the 2024 NFL draft, the Raiders fell victim to the wait-and-see method, and ended up watching six quarterbacks taken off the board before they got a chance to select a player at No. 13. They ended up with tight end Brock Bowers, which is quite the consolation prize itself but it put them through another year in quarterback purgatory.

Neither Gardner Minshew, who started the year, nor Aidan O'Connell, who is now behind center, has instilled any confidence that they can be a solution. Because of these struggles, fans seem to be solely looking forward to the draft. This isn't shocking, considering the NFL draft gives over 50% of the league's fan bases something to look forward to, but the Raiders appear to be so bad that they'll be near the top of the draft.

Something that their fans should be eager about.

However, in ESPN's latest mock draft, the Raiders are projected to send multiple picks away to trade up from No. 7 to No. 4. Who are they trading for you might ask, well none other than Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward.

ESPN's Jordan Reid conjured up a trade that he thinks the Raiders would be able to offer the Jacksonville Jaguars, who don't need a quarterback at this time.

"In April, the Raiders watched six quarterbacks come off the board before they were on the clock at No. 13," Reid wrote . "They might not want to risk waiting it out again in 2025, and I could see them sending a second- and fifth-rounder to Jacksonville to move up three spots from No. 7 overall here. (Las Vegas just landed a conditional third-rounder from the Davante Adams trade that could be used to move up for a QB, too.)"

Ward currently has the fourth-best Heisman odds, according to FanDuel , and has led Miami to its best start since 2017. Through six games Ward has thrown for over 2,200 yards with 20 touchdowns to just five picks. He has a monster arm and is known for his almost concerning level of poise.

He would ignite belief in this fan base immediately and may help the Raiders finally get back on track.

While some fans may link Shedeur Sanders to the Raiders, this particular mock had him going No. 1 to the Cleveland Browns.

Related: Raiders Fans Expected to Take Over SoFi Stadium for Week 7 Matchup Against Rams